Policy for Responsible Computing at The William Paterson College of New Jersey

Prepared by staff of Instruction and Research Technology, William Paterson College
Adapted with thanks from the Delaware Guidelines, Copyright February 2, 1993

Preamble

In support of its mission of teaching, research, and public service, William Paterson College provides access to computing and information resources for students, faculty, and staff, within institutional priorities and financial capabilities.

The Policy for Responsible Computing at William Paterson College contains the governing philosophy for describing faculty, student, and staff rights and responsibilities associated with use of the College's computing resources. It spells out the general principles regarding appropriate use of equipment, software, and networks. By adopting this policy, the College recognizes that all members of the community are also bound by local, state, and federal laws relating to copyrights, security, and other statutes existing and future regarding electronic media.

Policy - Appropriate Use

All members of the College community who use the College's computing and information resources must act responsibly. These responsibilities include respect for the rights of other computing users, respect for the integrity of the physical facilities and controls, and compliance with all pertinent license and contractual agreements. It is the policy of the William Paterson College that all members of its community act in accordance with these responsibilities, relevant laws and contractual obligations, and the highest standard of ethics.

College computing facilities and accounts are to be used for the College-related activities for which they are assigned. College computing resources are not to be used for commercial purposes or non-College-related activities without written authorization from the College. In these cases, the College reserves the right to refuse or require payment require payment of appropriate fees. This policy applies equally to all College-owned, College-leased computers, and computers acquired through external grants.

Access to the College's computing facilities is a privilege granted to College students, faculty, and staff. Access to College information resources may be granted by the stewards of that information based on the steward's judgement of the following factors: College policies, relevant laws and contractual obligations, the requestor's need to know, the information's sensitivity, and the risk of damage to or loss by the College.

The College reserves the right to limit, restrict, or extend computing privileges and access to its information resources. Data stewards--whether departments, units, faculty, students, or staff--may allow individuals other than College faculty, staff, and students access to information for which they are responsible, so long as such access does not violate any license or contractual agreement; College policy; or any relevant laws.

All users are responsible to protect systems from abuses that disrupt or threaten appropriate use of computing resources, including those at the College and those on networks to which the College's systems are connected. Access to information resources without proper authorization from the data steward, unauthorized use of College computing facilities, and intentional corruption or misuse of information resources are direct violations of the College's standards for conduct as outlined in this document, and the College Policy Manual, current edition, and the Student Handbook and may also be considered civil or criminal offenses.

Implementation

Appropriate College administrators will adopt guidelines for the implementation of this policy and regularly revise these guidelines as circumstances, including--but not limited to--changes in technology, warrant. The directors of the campus-wide computing units shall, from time to time, issue recommended guidelines to assist departments and units with this effort.

Enforcement

Alleged violations of this policy shall be processed according to the judicial processes outlined in the College collective bargaining agreements, and the Student Handbook. The William Paterson College treats access and use violations of computing facilities, equipment, software, information resources, networks, or privileges seriously and may also prosecute abuse under the appropriate State and Federal laws.

Drafted, WPC: November, 1995
(University of Delaware: May, 1993)